president: Latest News

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police officers who act on illegal orders must remember that someday they will have to pay for their illegal activities, warned the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka Saliya Pieris, PC in a post on his personal Facebook account."I have seen police officers who engaged in unlawful acts and violated the rights of people in order to satisfy their bosses, having to pay for their misdeeds," he said.Some paid by way of compensation and loss of their promotions. Others had to face jail terms after being found guilty of criminal acts, he added."When these things happened, their masters were nowhere around to protect them.

Mailboxes sit outside of a Morris Plains, New Jersey post office on August 17, 2020 in Morris Plains, New Jersey. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images) Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’ historic exploration voyage to the Americas, though the holiday has seen a recent shift in observance to becoming Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is intentionally celebrated on Columbus Day in a call-out to the violence and harm Columbus and other explorers of the age brought about to the Americas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday called the attack that damaged the huge bridge connecting Russia to its annexed territory of Crimea "a terrorist act" masterminded by Ukrainian special services.The Kerch Bridge, which holds important strategic and symbolic value to Russia in its faltering war in Ukraine, was hit a day earlier by what Moscow has said was a truck bomb. Road and rail traffic on the bridge were temporarily halted, damaging a vital supply route for the Kremlin’s forces."There’s no doubt it was a terrorist act directed at the destruction of critically important civilian infrastructure of the Russian Federation," Putin said during a meeting with the chairman of Russia’s Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickramasinghe says that he intends to reduce the number of members of local Government bodies prior to the next election.The Presidential Media Division said that accordingly, the number of members of local councils, municipal councils and urban councils should be reduced from 8,000 to 4,000.The President's Media Division added that the President also intends to implement the Jana Sabha program.The President has also said that executive power of the Pradeshiya Sabhas should be given to a chairman-based committees instead of a single chairman, and draft laws will be prepared to incorporate these amendments prior to the next local government elections.Pointing out that the main cause for political corruption is the preferential system, President Wickremesinghe said that a non-preferential list system or a mixed electoral system should be adopted and restrictions should be imposed by the election law on the amount spent on elections.Furthermore, during a meeting with professionals held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (09), President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that a proposal would be made to appoint a Parliament Select Committee to decide on the parliamentary voting system, and if this select committee fails to come up with a decision by July next year, a referendum would be held. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Maithripala Sirisena says that he is ready to support the 22nd amendment if the people's sovereignty is strengthened through it.In a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, the former President and the SLFP Chairman said that the 22nd amendment to the Constitution has not been discussed yet, however more changes may be made to the presented amendment in the future.When inquired whether he would support any future changes to the amendment, the SLFP Chairman emphasized that any changes to be made to the amendment must be democratic in nature, and should ensure the people's sovereignity."I did not vote for the 20th amendment. The 19th amendment presented during my time had its drawbacks, but it should be implemented properly and adopted after correcting those flaws.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Supreme Court Justice Buwaneka Pandukabaya Aluwihare PC took oath as the Acting Chief Justice in the presence President Ranil Wickremesinghe.He took oaths at the President's Office on Sunday (09).Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake also participated the event.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that to live with the qualities that Prophet Muhammad preached and to deal with others with a sense of understanding is a tribute to him, in his message commemorating Milad-un-nabi.The full statement is as follows;The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad who is venerated by the Sri Lankan Muslims as well as the Muslim brethren around the world is celebrated today (09).It is my belief that doctrine of Prophet Muhammad as the religious leader of the Islamic devotees around the world will help to alleviate the situation in the society today more than ever before.To live with the qualities that Prophet Muhammad preached and deal with others with a sense of understanding is a tribute to him rather than attempting to overcome them.The coming of the Prophet Muhammad and his vision signified the protection of the entire human community as well as their respect.

Former US President Donald Trump makes a speech at the 2022 Hispanic Leadership Conference in Miami, Florida, United States on October 5, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) ((Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images))NEW YORK - Former President Donald Trump is finally opening his checkbook, reserving millions of dollars in airtime for ads to bolster his endorsed candidates in key midterm races just one month before Election Day.Trump's newly-formed MAGA Inc. super PAC will begin airing ads Saturday in Nevada, Georgia and Arizona, according to Medium Buying, an ad tracking firm.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Arindam Bagchi says that India is supportive of the IMF debt restructuring program, and pointed out that financing assurances from creditors to make Sri Lanka's debt sustainable would be required.Speaking on Sri Lanka's debt restructuring during the weekly briefing, the Spokesperson said that the High Commissioner attended an 'Ambassador's Forum' which was held under the Chairmanship of the President of Sri Lanka, and relevant authorities attended the subsequent virtual meeting. He emphasized that India is in touch with all the major stakeholders, and Bagchi said that he believes that all creditors may need to work together on the issue. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will continue to have the support of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna to move the country forward.The former President and former Prime Minister, attending a public meeting held in Kalutara, said that he believed that President Wickremesinghe has returned to a 'better path'.SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena organized the public rally under the theme, "Let's rise together from Kalutara", at his coordination office which was burned down previously.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and many MPs of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna attended the event.The former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the event said that despite Sri Lanka facing many challenges today, the party has the strength to overcome those challenges, and should go forward with programs that the people of the country needs. "I believe that the duty of a government is to understand the needs of the people and fulfill their needs. Therefore, we say that today we have taken steps to fulfill that role.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will continue to have the support of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna to move the country forward.The former President and former Prime Minister, attending a public meeting held in Kalutara, said that he believed that President Wickremesinghe has returned to a 'better path'.SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena organized the public rally under the theme, "Let's rise together from Kalutara", at his coordination office which was burned down previously.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and many MPs of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna attended the event.The former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the event said that despite Sri Lanka facing many challenges today, the party has the strength to overcome those challenges, and should go forward with programs that the people of the country needs. "I believe that the duty of a government is to understand the needs of the people and fulfill their needs. Therefore, we say that today we have taken steps to fulfill that role.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Medical Specialists of the Ministry of Health have written to the President not to reverse the proposal on reducing the retirement age in the public sector to 60 years.The Medical Specialists of the Ministry of Health feel that bringing down the retirement age of medical specialists to 60 years will not harm the health service or postgraduate medical education as claimed by the lobbying group that is against the move.They said that though around 250 medical specialists are expected to retire, a fair number of specialists will be available to replace them.This includes 200 specialists who recently returned after completing overseas training, 525 specialists due to arrive in the country within the next two years after completing their training overseas, and 300 trainees who have completed local postgraduate specialty training with eligibility to cover up duties as acting specialists.They said that out of the 250 medical specialists who will retire, the majority are from sub-specialty fields where there are currently enough specialists available in the country.They added that if any specialty is left with a shortage, there is a provision for recruitment on a contract basis. They further added that the younger generation with newer skills and knowledge can provide a better and more efficient service in terms of patient care and post-graduate training if an opportunity is given.

MEDIA, Pa. - A hearing on the controversial closure of Delaware County Memorial Hospital ends without a decision.A Delaware County judge is expected to rule next week on an emergency injunction to stop the for-profit owner of a Delaware County hospital system from changing the operation of an Upper Darby hospital.The Foundation for Delaware County, formed after Prospect Medical Holdings of California bought the Crozer-Keystone Health System, argues under the sale agreement Prospect may not end the hospital’s operation as an acute care facility and close its emergency room without the Foundation’s approval.Frances Sheen, the president of the foundation said, "They can only close one of those as an acute care facility with the permission of The Foundation of Delaware County. They did not seek that permission.

FILE - Dwayne Johnson attends the Warner Bros. "Black Adam" photo call at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on Oct. 06, 2022, in Los Angeles, California.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister of Tourism, Diana Gamage says that she has not been granted any powers vested within her position.Speaking in Parliament on Friday (7), the MP said that a Director General has been removed without notifying her.According to the State Minister, the Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Dhammika Wijesinghe resigned on Thursday (6) after being pressurized to resign.She demanded why a woman cannot remain in a position of leadership, and further asked why she had to resign, in addition to requesting an investigation into the matter.When inquired by other Parliamentarians, Gamage said that she has not been assigned any authority or a subject as the State Minister.Former President Maithripala Sirisena also reiterated her stance, insisting for an investigation be conducted into the removal of the Director General.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Although the President attempted to push the idea that he accepted the challenge of leading the country forward through an economic crisis as there was no one else qualified to take up the challenge, the question remains whether he accepted it because he did not have a choice, or whether he was chosen to oversee the return of the Rajapaksas. Speaking at the Parliament, JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the Rajapaksa camp was pushed against the wall, and they chose Wickremesinghe as the President to see them through the current crisis. "Therefore, he is not the one who accepted this challenge, but he is the chosen one," Dissanayake said.He emphasized that he too remains ready to accept this very same position and challenged the President to hold an election to appoint a leader and government.Citing the statement by President alleging that some political parties are ready to take power over dead bodies, Dissanayake challenged the President to name such parties."We have to accept that a Government and an individual cannot come out of this crisis. Society should be united for this.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that social media carries positive as well as negative information, which is one of the major problems that the entire world is facing.Ranil Wickremesinghe visited a workshop organized for the Media Secretaries of the Cabinet Minister, State Ministers, and Governor on Friday (7) in Colombo."Unlike Print and electronic media, currently we are all facing social media problems. It carries positive as well as negative information, which is one of the major problems that the entire world is facing.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed to expedite the program to provide welfare benefits to 3.1 million low-income families in Sri Lanka.This program has been planned to cover all the districts of the country under the theme ‘Don’t Leave Anyone Behind’. Under this program, the benefits will be available for the families or individuals receiving benefits under Samurdhi, Elderly Persons, Disabled Persons, and Kidney Disease Assistance Program. People who are on the waiting list expecting subsidies as well as people who are affected by the current economic crisis and who are expecting government welfare benefits will also receive this benefit, the Minister revealed.Minister also said that calling for applications has already started and the closing date has been extended to October 15.The relevant application form can be downloaded via the www.wbb.gov.lkBy calling for new applications, the government hopes to include all eligible beneficiaries and to provide benefits to all those who deserve benefits through the Social Welfare Benefit Board, the Minister further said.Denying the rumor that has been circulating among the public regarding the cut-down of the allowances according to the agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he said the government needs to organize the data in a correct system. It needs to include the group who are currently receiving welfare benefits as well as the group who are not receiving welfare benefits but are expecting. We expect to gather all the information and give the allowance to the necessary, appropriate, and correct individual."We are united in the national responsibility that no one should be left behind.

Belarusian human rights activist Ales Bialiatski speaks after he and the Belarusian human rights organization Vjasna were awarded the 2020 Right Livelihood Award during the 2020 awarding ceremony in Stockholm on Dec. 3, 2020.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – On Thursday 6th October, Asia Rugby President, Qais Al Dhalai received Roshan Ranasinghe, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs of Sri Lanka at the Asia Rugby offices in Dubai to discuss matters relating to the suspended Sri Lanka Rugby.The discussions were mainly focused on finding solutions for the problems regarding the governance of the game in Sri Lanka and the discussion led to a request from the Honorable Minister for Asia Rugby to allow Sri Lanka Rugby National Teams to take part in Asia Rugby tournaments.Qais Al DhalaiQais Al Dhalai, the Asia Rugby President said “On 22 May 2022, the Sri Lanka Olympic Committee President Suresh Subramaniam met me in Dubai to discuss the matters concerning the suspension of Sri Lanka Rugby by the continental federation where I pledged my support for the Sri Lanka Rugby athletes to return to the field sooner than later. I visited Sri Lanka teams in Coventry a few days prior to the commencement of the Commonwealth Games and I was delighted to see both the men's and women's teams performing well in the global area.”He added “Today, I am delighted to receive Honorable Roshan Ranasinghe the new Sri Lankan Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs at the headquarters of Asia Rugby in the UAE – Dubai and thanking him for his commitment, dedication and passion towards sport and rugby in specific.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – About 140 organizations worldwide asked the International Monetary Fund to issue at least $650 billion more in reserves to help its member nations grapple with “multiple historic, overlapping, and generally worsening crises.”Allocating more IMF reserve assets known as special drawing rights, or SDRs, “would immediately make hundreds of billions of dollars available to nearly all low- and middle-income IMF member countries without debt or conditions and only requires political will on the part of the fund’s board” the organizations said in a letter to the IMF’s board of governors and its executive board Thursday.Pressure is mounting on the IMF to act as the world’s most financially fragile countries, from Argentina to Ukraine, have burned through the extra IMF reserves they got last year, raising calls for a fresh injection to help them weather higher interest rates, food and fuel costs. In July, key Democratic congressional allies urged President Joe Biden’s administration to support a new injection of resources for countries at the IMF to help them deal with the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.With 345 million people facing acute food insecurity — more than double the number in 2019 — and rising interest rates making it more expensive for nations to pay back their dollar-denominated debt as the greenback strengthens, mass anger is triggering instability in many countries and has even led to the ouster of leaders in nations such as Sri Lanka.Signatories to the Thursday letter include the International Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO, the largest US labor federation.

Mexico state of Guerrero, officials said Thursday.Residents began burying the victims even as a video posted on social media showed men who identified themselves as the Tequileros gang claiming responsibility for the mass shooting.The Guerrero state security council said gunmen burst into the town hall in the village of San Miguel Totolapan Wednesday and opened fire on a meeting the mayor was holding with other officials.Among the dead were Mayor Conrado Mendoza and his father, Juan Mendoza Acosta, a former mayor of the town. Most of the other victims were believed to be local officials.The walls of the town hall, which were surrounded by children’s fair rides at the time, were left riddled with bullets.

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden said Thursday that the risk of nuclear "Armageddon" is at the highest level since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, as Russian officials speak of the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons after suffering massive setbacks in the eight-month invasion of Ukraine.Speaking at a fundraiser for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin was "a guy I know fairly well" and the Russian leader was "not joking when he talks about the use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons."Biden added, "We have not faced the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis." He suggested the threat from Putin is real "because his military is — you might say — significantly underperforming."Marine One carrying US President Joe Biden lands at the Wall Street landing zone in New York on Oct. 6, 2022.

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden announced on Thursday he will issue an executive order pardoning all people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law, in what amounts to the most extensive White House action taken to date in U.S. drug policy.Biden expanded on his announcement on social media where he laid out a  plan to also call for a review of current federal laws surrounding marijuana. "As I’ve said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (6) that he hopes to visit New Delhi to brief Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sri Lanka's postion.However, he did not specify when he would fly to India in his special statement to the Parliament.Noting that Sri Lanka is slowly reaching stability, the President said that a majority in Sri Lanka support the efforts that have been made, while there are some who are against it."They will not support the recovery of an ailing economy, and are waiting for the economy to breathe its last. They believe that when the people start to die in hunger, they can obtain power over the dead.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the IMF staff-level agreement cannot be released until the IMF Executive Board ratifies it and until Sri Lanka reaches agreements with its main creditors.He told Parliament that the Minister of Justice is in the process of introducing a new corruption law that will include the provisions of the United Nations that have been referred to in the IMF Staff Level Agreement.He was responding to Opposition Legislator M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that Sri Lanka hopes to reach a common agreement with creditor nations including Japan, China & India.He told Parliament on Thursday (6) that the country already commenced dialogues with Ambassadors from other countries, that have already provided debt to Sri Lanka.President Wickremesinghe said that after reaching an agreement with the creditor nations, and private lenders Sri Lanka will be able to secure an IMF assurance.The President said thereafter, Sri Lanka will be able to access bridging finace with lenders like the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank.He said that Sri Lanka hopes to access around USD 1 Billion through bridging finace.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Japan has said that it is ready to assist Sri Lanka in the Credit Reconciliation process, President Ranil Wickremesinghe told the Parliament on Thursday (6) morning.He also said that Japan has agreed to co-chair the summit in negotiation with the Debit countries,The President further said that the Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide USD 500 Million loan to Sri Lanka.All steps have been taken to provide fertilizer & seeds required for upcoming Maha season, President Wickremesinghe also told the Parliament.Watch Here:  

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued an Extraordinary Gazette placing several state institutions under the Ministry of Public Security.According to the Gazette, the Department of Registration of Persons, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board have been placed under the purview of the Public Security Ministry.Read Gazette here: 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Jaffna District MP G. G.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Student Union of the Peradeniya University emphasizes that the viral incident which took place on September 14th at the Peradeniya University is not related to any ragging incident.Anuradha Vidanage, the President of the University of Peradeniya Student Union stressed that the incident was not at all related to bullying and ragging, and further stated that despite their non-involvement, a decision has been taken by the University administration that would severely hamper the university education system itself. He also said that the student union does not approve of the said incident, adding that despite their response, the union continues to remain a target.He said that other students continue to threaten the union, and demanded whether they should issue a press release in this regard to halt such activities from taking place, adding that the University administration should be held responsible in this regard.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A Purdue University student was killed in his dorm room and his roommate was arrested Wednesday morning, school officials announced.The victim's roommate called police to report the incident and was taken into custody as the suspect in the death, Purdue University President Mitch Daniels said in a statement.WXIN reported the homicide took place in McCutcheon Hall and the victim was Varun Manish Chheda, 20, from Indianapolis.Officials have given no information regarding the cause of death.SUBSCRIBE TO THE FOX 32 YOUTUBE CHANNEL"As Purdue's president, but even more so as a parent myself, I assure you that the safety and security of our students is the single highest priority on our campus," Daniels said. "Purdue is an extraordinarily safe place on any given day, and compared with cities of Purdue’s population (approximately 60,000 in all), we experience a tiny fraction of violent and property crime that occurs elsewhere.Such statistics are of no consolation on a day like this.

President Joe Biden will visit hurricane-ravaged Florida with a pledge that federal, state and local governments will work as one to help rebuild homes, businesses and lives — putting politics on mute for now to focus on those in need.Hurricane Ian has resulted in at least 84 people confirmed dead, including 75 in Florida, as hundreds of thousands of people wait for power to be restored. Biden planned to meet Wednesday with residents and small business owners in Fort Myers, Florida, and to thank government officials providing emergency aid and removing debris.With the midterm elections just a month away, the crisis had the potential to bring together political rivals in common cause at least for a time.

The Internal Revenue Service headquarters building appeared to be mostly empty April 27, 2020 in the Federal Triangle section of Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Time is running out for the millions of Americans who requested a tax deadline extension earlier this year to file their 2021 income returns without a financial penalty. The roughly 19 million taxpayers who asked for an extension earlier this year now face an Oct.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Court of Appeal on Wednesday (5) issued summons on State Minister Sanath Nishantha, requesting him to submit reasons for him to not to be punished with regard to contempt of court allegations, on 13th October 2022.The Appellate Court issued summons after considering a petition submitted by the Sri Lanka Judicial Service Officers Association.Nishantha was issued a summons by the Appellate Court bench consisting of Justices Nishanka Bandula Karunaratne and R.

The crew mans the rails as the ship is brought to life during commissioning ceremonies for the USS Gerald R. Ford on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court is taking up an Alabama redistricting case that could have far-reaching effects on minority voting power across the United States.The justices are hearing arguments Tuesday in the latest high-court showdown over the federal Voting Rights Act, lawsuits seeking to force Alabama to create a second Black majority congressional district. About 27% of Alabamians are Black, but they form a majority in just one of the state’s seven congressional districts.The court’s conservatives, in a 5-4 vote in February, blocked a lower court ruling that would have required a second Black majority district in time for the 2022 midterm elections.A similar ruling to create an additional Black majority district in Louisiana also was put on hold.A law enforcement official stands in front of the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, President of Iceland congratulating President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, has further assured to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries.He also expressed confidence that the people of Sri Lanka will successfully deal with the economic challenges while preserving the social harmony, which must be quintessential to Sri Lanka, said the President's Media Division on Tuesday (4).President Guðni Th.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Kanye West attends the Burberry Spring/Summer 2023 runway show in Bermondsey on September 26, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David M.

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden on Monday will survey damage from Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico, where tens of thousands of people are still without power two weeks after the storm hit.The Category 1 hurricane knocked out electrical power to the U.S. territory of 3.2 million people, 44% of whom live below the poverty line.RELATED: President Biden, first lady to visit Florida and Puerto Rico to assess hurricane damagePower has been restored to about 90% of the island’s 1.47 million customers, but more than 137,000 others, mostly in the hardest hit areas of Puerto Rico’s southern and western regions, continue to struggle in the dark.

FILE - At the 1973 Academy Awards, Sacheen Littlefeather refuses the Academy Award for Best Actor on behalf of Marlon Brando who won for his role in "The Godfather." She carries a letter from Brando in which he explains he refused the award in protes LOS ANGELES - Sacheen Littlefeather, a Native American activist who famously refused to accept the Academy Award for best actor on behalf of Marlon Brando in 1973, has died. She was 75. Littlefeather’s death was announced on Sunday by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Chairman of COPE Professor Charitha Herath was not included in the list of COPE members announced by the Speaker on Monday (3).Professor Charitha Herath is among the several ruling faction MPs who decided to remain independent and sit with the opposition in Parliament.Professor Charitha Herath tweeted that after a delay of two months COPE member list is out, and as predicted, his name isn't on the list. He said that thieves, deal makers who are in favor of a corrupted system WON for the day, and the people behind the economic crimes wanted him out of their way.Professor Charitha Herath said that the President and the Prime Minister should be ashamed of what had happened.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission congratulating President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as the President of the Democratic of Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has assured its support to the government of Sri Lanka for the efforts to overcome the crisis successfully.Issuing a statement, Ursula von der Leyen noted that at a time of unprecedented challenges faced by the people of Sri Lanka, the European Union remains committed to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to overcome the crisis successfully, including the necessary reforms that will bring the country back to a path of inclusive prosperity and lasting national reconciliation.She further stated that in this process, freedom of expression and assembly, dialogue among all stakeholders, as well as respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights will remain essential.She has also made a reference to the assessment by the European Union on the progress made by Sri Lanka on GSP+ commitments.

Russia faces a series of setbacks on the battlefield against Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin only knows how to do one thing, according to one of his most prominent critics: “escalate.”That’s because Putin views the prospect of losing power as an “existential threat,” according to Bill Browder, a U.S. investment fund manager who has influenced Western governments into clamping down on corrupt Russian officials.“If Putin were ever to lose power in Russia, he would lose all the money that he’s stolen over the last 22 years.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a retreat with Republican lawmakers at Camp David in Thurmont, Maryland, January 6, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) The National Archives and Records Administration informed lawmakers that a number of electronic communications from Trump White House staffers remain missing, nearly two years since the administration was required to turn them over.The nation's record-keeping agency, in a letter Friday to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, said that despite an ongoing effort by staff, electronic communications between certain unidentified White House officials were still not in their custody."While there is no easy way to establish absolute accountability, we do know that we do not have custody of everything we should," Debra Steidel Wall, the acting U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva says that the law must apply to all those who are responsible for the economic crisis.Speaking at an SJB press conference held on Sunday (2), the MP cited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who said in Parliament that all should be held responsible for the current economic crisis is now refuting his own statement and opposing the condemnation of economic crimes. Pointing out that the former President has now returned and is at Malalasekara Mawatha enjoying his comforts, the MP emphasized that it is Rajapaksa along with his accomplices who should be blamed for the economic crisis. MP de Silva also states that it is not the President who implemented the High Security Zones, but the Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne Kamal Gunaratne.He predicted that an inevitable catastrophe of Kamal Gunaratne's action would be a socio-political explosion. "That group including Kamal Gunaratne only operate according to a single model, which is the same model of the past.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis on Sunday appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a cease-fire, imploring him to "stop this spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine and denouncing the "absurd" risk of the "uncontrollable" consequences of nuclear attack as tensions sharply escalate over the war.Francis uttered his strongest plea yet about the seven-month-old conflict, which he denounced as an "error and a horror."It was the first time in public that he cited Putin's role in the war. The pontiff also called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "be open" to serious peace proposals.Francis told the public, gathered in St.

PLAINS, Ga. - It's a special day for the oldest-living former U.S. president and Georgia native Jimmy Carter.Carter is celebrating yet another milestone Saturday - his 98th birthday.The former president will celebrate his birthday with family and friends in Plains, the tiny Georgia town where he and his wife, 95-year-old Rosalynn, were born in the years between World War I and the Great Depression.HERE'S HOW YOU CAN WISH JIMMY CARTER A HAPPY 98TH BIRTHDAYJason Carter, the former president’s grandson now leading the Carter Center board, described his grandfather, an outspoken Christian, as content with his life and legacy."He is looking at his 98th birthday with faith in God’s plan for him," the younger Carter, 47, said, "and that’s just a beautiful blessing for all of us to know, personally, that he is at peace and happy with where he has been and where he’s going."Jason Carter said his grandfather is mostly looking forward to a simple day that includes watching his favorite Major League Baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, on television.CEO OF CARTER CENTER REFLECTS ON JIMMY CARTER'S LEGACY ON 98TH BIRTHDAYIf you'd like to wish the Georgia native a happy birthday, the Carter Center has set up a digital board for people to post heartfelt birthday messages on its website.Former President Jimmy Carter interviewed for "The Presidents' Gatekeepers" project at the Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, September 14, 2011.